Ring-billed gull(Larus delawarensis)

Nov. 14, 2012

Missouri Department of Conservation

Written by

Missouri Department of Conservation

Claim to fame: Of the several types of gulls that come to Missouri in winter, the ring-billed gull is probably the most commonly seen species in the southern part of the state.

Species status: It’s thought North America’s ring-billed gull population may be increasing because the bird benefits from landfills and other human-related items.

Discovered: The first scientific description of the ring-billed gull was written in 1815 by American naturalist George Ord.

Family matters: Ring-billed gulls belong to the bird family Laridae, a group of shore birds. You may see as many as seven species of gulls in Missouri in winter, but nowhere will you find a “sea gull.” That’s because, from a taxonomic standpoint, there is no such bird. Though “sea gull” is a common term, it’s not the name of any specific species.

Length: 19 inches, 50-inch wingspan

Diet: In their summer breeding and nesting habitats, ring-billed gulls eat fish, insects and small vertebrates. However, that’s not what they dine on when they come to Missouri in winter. Here, they are scavengers that eat table scraps and other thrown-away food.

Weight: 11 to 25 ounces

Distinguishing characteristics: Adult ring-billed gulls have a white head, chest, belly and tail; a gray back and wings; and black primary (flight) feathers. The outer two primary feathers usually have white spots. The name “ring-billed” comes from a yellow bill that has a black band.

Life cycle: The ring-billed gull’s breeding season begins in May and extends to August. A nest is built on the ground, into which between one and four eggs are laid. Eggs hatch in 21 days. The young can fly when about 35 days old.